Russian Oil Pipeline to the Pacific Goes into Service

(Deutsche Welle)

Russia's East Asia oil pipeline has officially gone into service. The pipeline is a reflection of the country's shift from European to Asian markets.

President Vladimir Putin commissioned the pipeline Tuesday with the completion of the 4,740 km-long (2,945 miles) East Siberia - Pacific Ocean (ESPO) section, which runs between the Siberian city of Skovorodino and the Pacific port of Kosmino, Russian media reported.

The new section will "considerably increase the infrastructure capacity of the regions in Russia's far east," said Putin in a televised address. He called the commissioning a "significant event."